Elderwood House School

Elderwood House School, 9 July 2026 1 Elderwood House School Lumos Building, Leavesden Studios, Warner Drive, Leavesden WD25 7LP

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report:

Overall outcome The school is likely to meet all the independent school standards if it is registered

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report:

The purpose of this inspection was to advise the Secretary of State for Education about the proposed school's likely compliance with the independent school standards and associated requirements that are required for registration as an independent school.

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

When we carry out pre-registration inspections of proposed independent schools, we report on the provider's likely compliance with part 8 of the independent school standards first. Under part 8, the proprietor is required to ensure that the school meets all of the independent school standards consistently. The standard in part 8 is intended to ensure that the quality of leadership and management at the school is sufficient for that purpose.

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

Leaders and the proprietor body possess appropriate knowledge and understanding of the independent school standards (the standards) and their responsibilities in relation to them. They demonstrate a secure understanding of curriculum requirements, safeguarding responsibilities, attendance requirements, health and safety expectations, recruitment procedures and the provision of information to parents.

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

The proprietor body has established suitable systems to oversee the work of the school. Appropriate policies, procedures and systems have been developed and reviewed prior to opening. Where the proprietor does not have the prerequisite knowledge of an area, they have established a comprehensive network of expert support to inform their evaluation and development of the school. Elderwood House School, 9 July 2026 2 Leaders have established staffing arrangements that provide appropriate subject expertise across the curriculum. They have developed systems to monitor pupils’ access to education and their progress despite the unique demands of the school environment. Leaders possess a detailed understanding of the educational backgrounds, needs and circumstances of prospective pupils and how this information will be used to support pupils’ learning.

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

The proprietor has considered the potential challenges arising from operating a school within a professional working environment. They have established procedures to ensure that educational provision, safeguarding and pupil welfare remain priorities. Leaders understand the need to balance pupils’ educational and professional priorities and have developed systems that will be used to monitor these.

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

Leaders have established arrangements to promote pupils’ wellbeing through safeguarding, welfare support, therapy provision, careers education, personal development and educational planning. The school benefits from access to wider welfare services. Leaders have clear plans for how information will be shared appropriately between relevant professionals to support pupils where required.

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

The proprietor and school leaders demonstrate the skills, knowledge and experience required to support compliance with the independent school standards.

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

The standards in this part are likely to be met if the DfE decides to register the provider as an independent school.

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Curriculum

Leaders have designed an ambitious curriculum that has been carefully adapted to meet the unique context of the pupils who are expected to attend the school. The curriculum is supported by detailed policies, plans and schemes of work and outlines clear progression across the full age range. Leaders have ensured that curriculum planning takes account of pupils’ ages, aptitudes and prior educational experiences. Leaders demonstrate a detailed understanding of individual pupils' attainment and starting points. This knowledge has informed curriculum planning.

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Curriculum

The curriculum closely mirrors the breadth and ambition of the national curriculum. Subject planning is coherent and sequenced well. Leaders have established high expectations within the staff team who have designed the curriculum with GCSE and post-16 study firmly in mind. Curriculum planning in personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education is equally well developed and reflects both statutory expectations and the contextual needs of pupils attending the school. Elderwood House School, 9 July 2026 3 Leaders have established systems which allow curriculum delivery to remain flexible while ensuring that sufficient teaching time is allocated to each subject. Although daily programmes are adjusted to accommodate pupils’ work schedules, leaders maintain detailed oversight of teaching time and are able to ensure that pupils receive appropriate coverage across all curriculum areas. For example, dedicated time for physical education and art is protected each week and a

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Curriculum

structured programme is in place to make the most of this time.

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Teaching

Leaders have appointed subject specialist teachers to deliver the curriculum. Teachers are expected to use information about pupils’ prior attainment, educational experiences and individual needs when planning learning.

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Teaching

Leaders have considered how teaching will be adapted to accommodate pupils who may have experienced interruptions to their education. They have also considered how teaching will meet the needs of pupils working at different levels of attainment.

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Teaching

The school’s proposed model of education enables pupils to access teaching regardless of their work commitments. Leaders have established clear expectations that education will remain a priority. They have put systems in place to ensure that pupils attend education throughout the working day.

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Assessment

Leaders have established an appropriate framework for assessing pupils’ attainment and progress. Assessment arrangements include formal assessments at the end of units, terms and academic years alongside ongoing assessment within lessons.

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Assessment

Leaders have a clear understanding of how assessment information will be used to monitor pupils’ progress and to inform future planning. Systems are in place to enable leaders to maintain oversight of pupils’ performance across subjects and to identify where additional support or curriculum adaptation may be required.

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Assessment

Plans are in place to provide parents with information about pupils’ attainment and progress.

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Assessment

The standards in this part are likely to be met if the DfE decides to register the provider as an independent school.. Elderwood House School, 9 July 2026 4

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pupils

Leaders have planned a PSHE programme which includes learning about relationships, mental health, diversity, equality, democracy, British values, careers, financial education, online safety and citizenship.

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pupils

Leaders have identified opportunities through the curriculum to develop pupils’ understanding of public institutions, citizenship and wider society. In particular, considerable thought has gone into the education for the unique pressures and challenges that pupils at the school may face from their professional roles.

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pupils

Careers education has been planned to reflect the context of the pupils attending the school. Leaders have considered opportunities for pupils to gain insight into a wide range of professional roles associated with the film industry and related sectors while ensuring that pupils understand broader post-16 and career pathways.

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pupils

Leaders have given consideration to preparing pupils for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of adult life and life in modern British society.

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pupils

The standards in this part are likely to be met if the DfE decides to register the provider as an independent school.

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Safeguarding

Appropriate safeguarding arrangements are in place. The safeguarding policy reflects current statutory guidance. Leaders have plans to update policies in line with forthcoming national requirements.

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Safeguarding

Leaders demonstrate a secure understanding of safeguarding procedures, including referral pathways, local authority designated officer arrangements, recording systems and safeguarding responsibilities.

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Safeguarding

A safeguarding recording system is in place. Leaders possess a clear understanding of how concerns will be recorded, monitored and escalated.

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Safeguarding

Arrangements are in place for information sharing between the school, welfare professionals, therapists, chaperones and statutory partners where appropriate.

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Safeguarding

Staff safeguarding training has been planned and recruitment procedures include safeguarding considerations. Elderwood House School, 9 July 2026 5

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Behaviour and supervision of pupils

A written behaviour policy is in place and outlines expectations, rewards and sanctions. Procedures for recording and monitoring behaviour incidents have been established.

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Behaviour and supervision of pupils

Leaders have set out how behaviour information will be reviewed and any concerns will be addressed. Supervision arrangements reflect the structure of the school day and the movement of pupils between educational and professional activities.

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Behaviour and supervision of pupils

Staffing arrangements are planned to ensure that pupils are appropriately supervised.

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Anti-bullying

An appropriate anti-bullying policy is in place. Leaders have considered bullying, including online bullying, within their safeguarding and pastoral arrangements.

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Anti-bullying

The curriculum includes opportunities for pupils to learn about respectful relationships, online safety and appropriate behaviour. Leaders understand how concerns raised by pupils would be addressed, recorded and monitored.

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Health and safety, fire and first aid

Written health and safety, fire safety and first aid policies are appropriate and in place.

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Health and safety, fire and first aid

Fire risk assessments and site safety checks have been completed and leaders demonstrate a comprehensive plan for how identified actions will continue to be addressed. Appropriate first aid equipment is available across the site. Arrangements are in place to ensure trained personnel are available. This includes access to paramedics and firefighting professionals based on the site, should their support be required.

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Health and safety, fire and first aid

Medical resources, emergency procedures and health and safety arrangements have been established and reflect the nature of the site and school.

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Admissions and attendance

Admissions and attendance systems are in place. Leaders understand attendance recording requirements and have established electronic systems for recording and monitoring pupils’ attendance. Elderwood House School, 9 July 2026 6 Attendance arrangements have been designed to meet the educational and licensing requirements associated with pupils’ professional commitments. Systems are appropriate to track pupils’ educational provision and attendance in detail.

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Risk assessment

A written risk assessment policy is in place. Sample risk assessments reviewed during the inspection identified potential hazards and included appropriate control measures.

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Risk assessment

Leaders demonstrate a precise understanding of risk assessment processes and how risks associated with educational activities and the wider site are identified, reviewed and managed.

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Risk assessment

The standards in this part are likely to be met if the DfE decides to register the provider as an independent school.

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The recruitment checks made on staff, supply staff and the proprietor

Personnel files contained appropriate recruitment and vetting information. Leaders have completed the required checks before appointment, including identity, right to work, enhanced criminal record and prohibition checks where applicable.

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The recruitment checks made on staff, supply staff and the proprietor

Section 128 checks are completed for those who hold management or proprietor positions.

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The recruitment checks made on staff, supply staff and the proprietor

Leaders demonstrated an understanding of safer recruitment requirements and the additional checks required for leadership roles and the proprietor.

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The single central record of these recruitment checks

A single central record contains the information required by the regulations.

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The single central record of these recruitment checks

Leaders demonstrated how recruitment checks are recorded and monitored. The record reflects the checks completed on staff, leaders and members of the proprietor body.

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The single central record of these recruitment checks

The standards in this part are likely to be met if the DfE decides to register the provider as an independent school.

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and showers

Elderwood House School, 9 July 2026 7 The premises contain suitable toilet and washing facilities for the proposed number of pupils. Drinking water is available and washing facilities are appropriately maintained. Shower and changing facilities are also available. Adequate individual and group changing rooms are available for pupils.

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Medical room and accommodation for pupils' therapy needs

Suitable accommodation is available for pupils who become unwell. This space is discrete with enough room for a pupil and two adults. It contains appropriate washing facilities and is within easy access to a toilet facility.

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Medical room and accommodation for pupils' therapy needs

Additional welfare, therapy and support facilities are available within the wider building with appropriate processes to allow these spaces to be used when required.

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Ensuring the health, safety and welfare of pupils

The premises are secure and access is carefully controlled. Educational provision is separated from wider production activities and leaders demonstrated how pupils will move safely between different parts of the site.

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Ensuring the health, safety and welfare of pupils

The accommodation is maintained to a high standard and leaders described systems for responding to maintenance and safety concerns.

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Lighting and acoustic conditions

Teaching areas provide suitable lighting and working conditions. Classrooms and specialist teaching spaces, such as a science laboratory, dance studio, theatre and art room are appropriate for their intended use. The school has sufficient space and resources to accommodate the number of pupils the proprietor proposes to educate.

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Outdoor space

The school has access to suitable outdoor space for recreation and physical activity. Outdoor facilities include pitches for sporting activity and quieter spaces such as the garden areas for pupils to use during breaks. A large sports hall will facilitate both recreation and physical education sessions.

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Outdoor space

The standards in this part are likely to be met if the DfE decides to register the provider as an independent school.

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Part 6. Provision of information

The required policies and information are readily available. Leaders demonstrated how these are shared with parents and prospective parents. The relevant Elderwood House School, 9 July 2026 8 information had been made available to families during the recruitment and induction process.

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Part 6. Provision of information

Leaders demonstrate an understanding of their responsibilities regarding the ongoing provision of information, including annual reports and publication requirements.

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Part 6. Provision of information

The standards in this part are likely to be met if the DfE decides to register the provider as an independent school.

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Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled

A written complaints policy is in place. The policy includes informal and formal stages and provides for consideration of complaints by a panel where appropriate.

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Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled

The policy includes timescales, record-keeping arrangements and provision for an independent panel member. Leaders demonstrated an understanding of how the policy will operate in practice and how records of complaints will be maintained.

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Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled

The standards in this part are likely to be met if the DfE decides to register the provider as an independent school.

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The school's accessibility plan

The school has drawn up an appropriate accessibility plan which meets the requirements of schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010.

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About this inspection

Inspectors carried out this inspection under section 99 of the Education and Skills Act 2008, at the request of the registration authority for independent schools. Inspectors checked the school's likely compliance with the independent school standards. These are the requirements set out in the schedule to the Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014.

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About this inspection

Inspectors checked the school’s likely compliance with the independent school standards. These are the requirements set out in the schedule to the Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014.

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About this inspection

Following our updated inspection framework, all inspections are now led by His Majesty’s Inspectors (HMI) or by Ofsted Inspectors (OIs) who have previously served as HMIs. Elderwood House School, 9 July 2026 9 Inspectors considered the school's proposed curriculum, assessment arrangements and plans for pupils' personal development. Discussions were held with leaders regarding curriculum implementation, careers education, provision for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), staffing arrangements, safeguarding procedures and school improvement priorities. Curriculum documentation was reviewed across a range of subjects, including mathematics, science, physical education, English, religious education and philosophy, and PSHE education.

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About this inspection

Inspectors toured the premises with leaders and considered the suitability of the accommodation, including classrooms, specialist teaching spaces, welfare facilities, medical accommodation, toilet and washing facilities and outdoor areas.

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About this inspection

Inspectors also reviewed arrangements relating to health and safety, fire safety and first aid.

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About this inspection

Inspectors scrutinised safeguarding arrangements, including the safeguarding policy, safeguarding recording systems, staff training arrangements, attendance procedures, behaviour systems, anti-bullying arrangements and risk assessments.

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About this inspection

Inspectors also reviewed recruitment processes and considered whether the required checks on staff, leaders and members of the proprietor body had been completed.

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About this inspection

The proposed school is being opened to educate professional actors involved in a long-running production. This will provide continuity of education for actors who would normally receive 15 hours of weekly tutoring overseen by the local authority.

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About this inspection

The school is based on the filming location in a purpose-built facility. While it is intended that the majority of education will be provided on site, staff from the school will also join pupils on location when required to ensure they receive their educational entitlement.

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About this inspection

At the time of the inspection, the school was not open and there were no pupils on roll. Inspectors were therefore unable to evaluate the implementation of policies and procedures in practice or observe teaching and learning. Judgements are based on the extent to which the school is likely to meet the independent school standards if the DFE decides to register the provider as an independent school..

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Lead inspector

Dan Lambert His Majesty's Inspector Elderwood House School, 9 July 2026 10

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About this proposed school

Proprietor body Magical Beginnings Productions Ltd

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About this proposed school

Chair of the proprietor body Zoe Woodhouse

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authority

Age range of pupils Provider's proposal: 10 to 18

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authority

Gender of pupils Provider's proposal: mixed

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teaching staff

Number of part-time teaching staff Provider's proposal: 0 Elderwood House School, 9 July 2026 11 Annual fees for day pupils £0

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teaching staff

Email address Zoe.woodhouse@elderwoodhouse.com Elderwood House School, 9 July 2026 12 providing education and skills for children and learners of all ages, and inspects and regulates services that care for children and young people

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teaching staff

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teaching staff

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teaching staff

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